Zentangle for Relaxation

Do you enjoy art, but struggle to find the time to incorporate it into your life? Are you also looking for a way to help you relax? I have been there. Some days, it is hard to just get through the day, let alone find the time to work on a project. That is why I love Zentangle art. Zentangle is a pattern drawing on small squares of paper. Using Zentangle for relaxation is like Yoga for your brain! You end up making a complicated-looking and unique drawing using lines – drawing one line at a time. 

Let me guess, the red flags went up and you are freaking out a bit right now. You are thinking to yourself – “I am not an artist! This is impossible!” 

First, let me explain… there is no artistic talent required! If you have never picked up a pencil or drawn anything before… that is ok! The drawings you will be making may look complicated, but broken down they are really quite simple – simple shapes and lines put together to create a beautiful woven pattern. 

What is Zentangle Art? 

Zentangle art is wonderful for relaxation and meditation after a long day. I have made it into a habit to carry around extra paper squares in my pocket-sized traveler’s notebook. I take my pocket TN everywhere with me, keeping it tucked away in my purse.

Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed I pull out my traveler’s notebook and I will either write in my journal or I will take out a paper square and draw a Zentangle. 

How Can Zentangle Help you?

Many people, including myself at times, say that they are just too busy to take time for themselves and incorporate art into their lives. 

I happen to believe that is not true. To combat those negative thoughts, I had to sit down and really think about what was good for me. I know I need to take care of my mind and my body to stay healthy. Just like I exercise daily and keep my body physically active, my mind needs exercise too. And work doesn’t count! Using Zentangle for relaxation and mindfulness has helped me to control my stress and anxiety.

Zentangle for relaxation

Zentangle is a wonderful way to exercise and stretch your mind. At first, it may seem a bit overwhelming, but soon you will start to relax and really enjoy the process of creating beautiful works of art using your mind, a small square of papers, and a pen. As with everything new, it will take a little bit of practice. But, as I need to remind myself constantly, anything worth doing will take patience and practice. 

The wonderful thing about Zentangle is that it doesn’t need to be perfect! Anything you do will help your brain to relax and unwind. Try not to put pressure on yourself to make it “just right”. Let yourself create without pressure. I know, I know, it’s easier said than done! But I promise you, the more you work on it, the more comfortable you will get.

Think about working out. Is it difficult at first? Yes. Do you struggle through it? Yes. Does it get easier with time and practice? Yes! Think if Zentangle in the same way – a workout for your mind! 

How to get started: 

Getting started is quick and easy. All you need is two things. Paper and a pen. You can start out with any paper and pen that you have handy. I first started out with a scrap of cardstock paper that I had tucked away in a drawer. I cut it up into even smaller pieces to make 3 ½ square tiles. 

Later on, once you are more comfortable, you can look into purchasing other supplies. 

My favorite Zentangle supplies: 

• Pigma Micron black pens (01)
• Strathmore Artist Tiles (4×4 or 6×6)
• Regular #2 pencil

And that’s it! That’s all you really need. 

Books to Check out: 

If you would like to learn more about Zentangle, there are two books that I loved when I first got started. You can find them both of them easily on Amazon. I highly recommend them if you want to learn even more about the art of Zentangle and how it can help you. 

• Joy of Zentange: Drawing Your Way to Increased Creativity, Focus, and Well-Being by Suzanne McNeill, CZT, Sandy Bartholomew, CZT, and Marie Browning, CZT
• Yoga for your Brain: A Zentangle Workout by Sandy Steen Bartholomew 
• Zentangle 2: Featuring Ideas for Scrapbooks and Journals by Suzanne McNeill, CZT

Start drawing

1. To start, divide your small square into four sections using a pencil. You can divide it any way you want. Each section can be equal or you can make some sections larger than the others.
2. If you are nervous to begin, you can always use your pencil to start out. Then move to use a pen when you feel more comfortable. Take your pencil or pen and start drawing simple lines or shapes.
3. You will connect these lines and make patterns in each section. Each section should have a different pattern. Then when you are done, each section blends together like a patchwork quilt. As with all art, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. Play around and have some fun with it!

Are you ready to give your mind a workout? 

I hope that you will give Zentangle a try! It has been a lifechanging addition to my mindfulness practice. Over the years I have learned that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. 

Zentangle Art has helped me learn to relax and let things go. I know it will help you do the same! 

Comment below and let me know if you tried Zentangle art! I would love to hear about your experiences!

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If you liked this post, check out this watercolor card art project! The idea can be used for many different special occasions!